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Athens County Public Library Asks For 1-Mil 5 Year Levy
By: Kaitlyn Roman
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For the first time since its founding in 1935, the Athens County Public Library is asking for money.
The 1-mil, five year levy will be on the November 4th ballot. This means that a home with the property value of $100,000 would pay $35 per year.
The county libraries are 100 percent state funded.
After cutting back hours, staff, and services, the library says they can’t cut back anymore. Since 2009, Athens County Public Libraries have undergone nearly a 23 percent cut in state funding.
In 2013, there were 390,359 visitors to all seven branches of the library, and 64,066 computer users accessing free high-speed internet.
Rachel Myers, the chair person of the campaign for the library levy, said the passage of this levy, would benefit the whole community.
“Our libraries are very heavily used” said Myers.
With thousands of items checked out each year, free Wi-fi and computer accessiblity, the community would value the levy passing in order to maintain these amenities.
“I know the community really values the libraries and this is a time for the community to step up and support the libraries back” said Myers.